I haven't read the entire thread, though my thoughts two points on Brad Haddin that have been in the media of late are this.
1. The comments he made about the Indian team being mentally fragile (paraphrasing) I hated it, just hated it. If it was from our captain Michael Clarke, fine, though from a player whose glove work and batting are below par currently, I just cringed. It brought attention on him as opposed to the team and in my opinion, Haddin should be advised to adopt the "less said the better" as an individual and work hard on his all round game. I do agree though with a couple members stating "well he is Vice Captain" and that he will be asked questions, though this can be managed by team management as Spot On stated above. Haddin can be removed from the firing line and in my opinion he should be when dealing with the media at the moment.
2. Brad Haddin should announce his retirement from Test cricket effective immediately after this series. I am a patriotic New South Welshmen and an ardent Brad Haddin supporter, though looking at the long term health of the team, I'd much prefer blooding Matthew Wade. Why? Wade is ten years younger and we lose little in the keeping and batting department. Some good judges may argue we would gain if anything (I am on record as having a preference for Tim Paine, though he is injured and cannot justify waiting on his possible return).
I also envision until the completion of the 2013 Ashes a top six evolving around; Warner/Marsh/Cowan/Khawaja (settling on opening pair a juggling act - I'd prefer Warner and Marsh or Cowan), Watson, Ponting, Clarke and Hussey. With Ponting and Hussey likely to move on close together, having Wade in the side now nullifies any negative impact this may have on the team as a whole. Keeping Haddin in with Ponting and Hussey means we potentially lose three stalwarts in a short turn around which is less than ideal in my opinion.
Brad Haddin is an unlucky cricketer in many ways as he was behind the greatest keeper the game has seen in Adam Gilchrist. In many other eras, Haddin would be redefining the role as Gilchrist did after replacing Ian Healy. Haddin has had a good career with Australia, I'd prefer we end it now and with an eye on the big picture, bring in Matthew Wade who will battle with Tim Paine for the next few seasons (assuming Paine can and will return).
